By Trouble at Town Square transformation
Contractors working on the £1.5m transformation of St James Square have already come across complications.
Grimsby’s Fishermen’s Memorial was scheduled to be moved as part of the scheme.
But, a month into the project contractors have come unstuck as they do not know how to lift the large memorial.
The memorial was due to be placed on a plinth to allow for gatherings to take place around it.
It seems as though the sculpture may have to remain where it is while its surroundings are transformed.
The £1.5m transformation is centred on creating a “family-friendly space in the heart of the town.”
The space was due to have the Fishermen’s Memorial as a centrepiece.
A spokesman for C. R. Reynolds said:
“We do not know how to lift it.
“The fear is that lifting it may cause damage and we do not know the structure of it so it is going to remain in place.”
Work had been scheduled to start in March but were delayed due to the coronavirus crisis.
The project was are expected to last eight months, although it is not known whether this change of plan will cause delays.
The Rector of Grimsby Canon Andrew Dodd praised the scheme, calling it an ‘exciting period’ for the future of both the Minster and the Square. He said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity to see the Square redeveloped as a real space for art and community activity with an appealing design that encourages such.
“It will become more open, accessible, safe and welcoming.
“It is intended to work with people from all different aspects of our community and that is just how it should be. All at the Minster welcome this.”
